The American Heart Association this year formally announced it recognized a connection between panic attacks and Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), although it did not understand of the connection. But researchers into this problem understand the connection is actually a dysfunction in the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

Mitral valve prolapse is the most common cardiac problem and may affect five to twenty percent of the population. The condition is most common in women, although men are also affected. With MVP, symptoms do not begin before the early teenage years (approximately age 14 in girls and 15 in boys), but adults of any age may be affected. MVP tends to run in families, so those with blood relatives with MVP have a greater chance of also having the condition. The mitral valve prolapse syndrome is sometimes called dysautonomia.

The ANS controls the involuntary system of the body such as heart beat, blood pressure, body temperature, intestinal functions, sweating, etc. The system is made of two parts: the sympathetic (the "accelerator") and the parasympathetic (the "brakes"). When these two are out of balance or goes awry, it is described as dysautonomia.

There are many types of dysautonomia, but it is "Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome/Dysautonomia" that we discuss here. The name seems to indicate maybe the problem is with MVP when actually MVP is just one of the myriad of symptoms of MVP SYNDROME/DYSAUTONOMIA.

These symptoms can include:
 

• Mitral Valve Prolapse (in 2/3 of patients)
• Anxiety and/or panic attacks
• Depression and/or mood swings
• Chest discomfort or pain 
• Palpitations or feelings of skipped heart beats or flip-flops
• Dizziness and/or unsteadiness
• Almost passing out (presyncope) or passing out (syncope)
• Pallor or redness of extremities
• Malaise, a general sense of being ill
• Weakness, fatigue and/or loss of stamina
• Inability to tolerate heat or sun for long
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Headaches or migraines
• Numbness and/or tingling in the extremities

For more information about MVP SYNDROME/DYSAUTONOMIA and treatment, visit the following sites:

NATIONAL DYSAUTONOMIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION

MVP CENTER OF ALABAMA

DR. AL DAVIES-MEDISCENE